Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic was named Serbian Player of the Year for 2018, the country’s Basketball Federation announced.

Jokic dominated the voting procedure since he was picked by 25 media representatives that participated in the procedure. He succeeds Sacramento Kings guard Bogdan Bogdanovic who was voted second this time with three votes. Anadolu Efes guard Vasilije Micic and Jiangsu Dragons center Miroslav Raduljica received two votes apiece.

“I’m sorry I’m not with you personally to receive the prize. I have been training for many years to become the best player in Serbia. I hope that I will provide even better games to justify this. Big greetings to everyone. See you,” Jokic said in a video message since he couldn’t attend the ceremony due to his obligations with the Nuggets.

Jokic averaged 17.8 points, 10.7 points and 6.1 assists in 2017 – 2018 earning a max contract extension with Denver. In 40 games this season, the 23-year-old Serbian big guy averages 19.2 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 7.6 assists, while the Nuggets are first in the Western Conference with a 28 -12 and en route to a playoffs return for the first time since 2012-2013. Jokic himself is a candidate to become an All-Star for the first time in his career.